Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

After a miserable start to the season the Cats turned their season around with a marvelous winning spell in mid-November, but now—once again—the wheels are coming off. The Panthers are looking decidedly tame at the moment; winning only one game in the last ten.

Yes, you can blame injuries—to key players such as David Booth and Cory Stillman—but that excuse is starting to fall on deaf ears. All teams in the NHL are seeing their roster decimated by untimely injuries; Florida is merely one in a line of clubs feeling that pain.

The players called up from the AHL have done reasonably well, injecting some much needed energy and enthusiasm to the team. However, these players have not been able to contribute offensively to any great extent—only managing a handful of goals overall.

And of the regulars and veterans, very few have made any significant contributions offensively either. Only three forwards have any noteworthy numbers; Stephen Weiss (24 points), Nathan Horton (25), and Steven Reinprecht (23).

And of the defenders, only captain Bryan McCabe (15 points), Dennis Seidenberg (12), and rookie Dmitry Kulikov (12), have done well and contributed to any substantial degree. Tomas Vokoun in goal meanwhile has played very well and done what he can for the team.

It’s just not enough.

Looking at the stats it’s easy to see why the Florida Panthers are in a funk and unable to win themselves a game in regulation:

In goals per game the Cats are ranked at No.25 in the league; scoring an average of 2.48 G/G. At the same time Florida is No.27 when it comes to goals against per game with an average of 3.26.

When it comes to 5-on-5 for/against/ goals ratio—the Panthers rank a tied 28th in the league with 0.75—only Carolina are worse.

So, the power-play and penalty kill must be the saving grace, right?

Not so…

The Cats are 27th in the league with a power-play percentage of 15.2 and are 29th on the penalty kill with 76.4 percent.

To continue this glum list of failures we need look no further than to shots allowed per game; Florida give-up an average of 35.1 shots—which as you would expect puts the Cats at the very bottom of the pile, at No.30. Our 28.6 shots on goals rank us in a slightly better 26th place.

Do I really need to prolong this miserable recount?

Well, maybe just one more to really hammer home my point: The Cats are dead last in the league when it comes to finishing off games when leading after two periods; they are .500 when entering the third with a lead.

Seriously, it is hard to understand what the h*ll coach Pete DeBoer is talking about when he says that: “We’re playing the right way, we’re doing things the right way, we’re not getting rewarded for it right now.”

Really—this is the right way to play?

And I disagree; I think the Panthers are being rewarded amply the way they deserve to be rewarded. The results reflect fairly where the Cats are right now.

Sure, if the games had been 58 minutes rather than 60 we would probably be in a playoff spot right now. But, since when is not a crucial part of the game of hockey to see out matches without conceding in those two last minutes?

To do so a team needs to have determination, grit, and the mental wherewithal to make the right plays at the right time. The Cats clearly don’t have these characteristics and are paying dearly for it—as they should.

This is no fluke, Pete.

I understand that you cannot give up and must try to be optimistic, especially when communicating to your players—even when there is precious little to be cheerful about. But, from a fans perspective, it is hard to have confidence in a coach that is clearly delusional or lying through his teeth.

I like DeBoer, as I believe most Florida fans do, but I don’t like it when he won’t own up to reality. Don’t give us this bs and expect us to swallow it with a grin.

We have had enough of false hope from Florida management over the years. We are quite frankly stuffed—and fed up—with the cattle fescues we’ve been served, thank you.

Just be honest about it: “We’re not better than this at the moment”. That’s all we want!

Of course—a team that knows how to win wouldn’t be bad either—if we take a moment to wistfully wish upon a star…

It is obvious that this franchise desperately needs to reevaluate its philosophy and hopefully the new owners can help in this respect.

However, don’t expect any miracles short term—there is only so much the new owners can do at this point in time—unless of course they can get down on the ice and show our current crop of forwards where the goal is.

The real work that they can do is to steer the franchise forward long term.

The current mess has been handed down from the previous owner, the name we shall utter here no more, and the Viner & Siegel combo should not be held responsible for it—although they are the ones that must, somehow, find a way out of this current prolonged state of hockey funk.

Perhaps the best thing now, if the Cats continue to struggle after Christmas, is to scratch this campaign and look to the trade deadline and draft instead. Certainly this is something that management must consider and plan for.

There comes a point where we must be realistic and say that maybe this team just isn’t better than the statistics clearly indicate. Take responsibility, and then set I motion a far-reaching program of rebuilding—with a clear philosophy at the heart of the process; of how to achieve long term success.

We have tried that tactic before and failed, even if it was haphazard at best, but I see precious few other options available.

With the salary cap effectively making trades near impossible these days, big free agent signings not forthcoming, the draft is all that realistically remains.

This season is not over yet however, and the Cats are a mere few points out of the playoff picture. But, unless a miracle happens, it is unlikely the Panthers will be able to turn this season around.

The stats plainly show that this team lacks substantially when it comes to cutting edge quality—at both ends of the rink.

After losing the first game on the current four game road trip to Columbus on Wednesday, 3-0, the Cats face an even trickier couple of games—as they are set to play New Jersey tonight, Pittsburgh tomorrow, and the NY Islanders on Monday.

Florida then face Atlanta on Wednesday on home ice, after having lost both previous games to the Thrashers this season, and having gone 1-6 against Southeastern rivals overall. This could very well mean that the Panthers are effectively out of the playoff race by this time next week.

And perhaps, being well behind the chasing pack of the East could turn out to be a blessing in disguise—as the franchise could firmly look to the future—rather than try to lure fans to games with false hope and dingy words of optimism whilst clinging to the sinking wreckage that is this team.

Like the title says, it really was one heck of road trip by the Panthers.

Not only three games in four days, but the Cats also visited some of the tougher places in the league to grind out a victory in: Buffalo, Detroit, and MSG—New York.

Florida now have four straight victories on the road. Winning these three games: 6-2, 2-1 (OT), and 3-2.

The fourth victory came in Boston (Nov. 12), when the Panthers won 1-0 after a shootout.

It seems the Cats enjoy being on the road…

Perhaps that is due to the team’s tactics being favorable for road games.

Playing defensively responsible and gunning on the counter seems to be the melody for Florida.

When playing at home on the other hand, a home-crowd dictates that the Panthers go out and try to take the game to the opponents; a tactic that leaves holes in defense. And ultimately, a tactic that does not seem to suit this team as well.

However, the confidence that the felines form must be generating throughout the team—ought to help the players elevate their game when going forward as well. At least that’s what we’ll be hoping; seeing as the Cats now play the next three games in Sunrise.

The Penguins on Monday, Rangers again on Wednesday, and the resurging Maple Leafs on Friday—will give the Panthers ample opportunities to hone their home game and tactics.

For a while it seemed that Florida where already out of the playoff race, after the opening 12 games of the season, but since then the Cats have come on strong and are now 7-2-1 in their last 10 games—and a mere point behind Tampa Bay in eighth spot of the Conference.

It must be said that results went Florida’s way yesterday. Not only did the Panthers beat the NY Rangers 3-2, but many teams above us lost points as well: Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, NY Islanders, NJ Devils, and Buffalo; all lost their respective games.

That is news well received here in South Florida as fans again are starting to believe in this hockey club again.

Tentatively at first perhaps, but if they keep on playing the way they have lately, there is no reason not to hope we can make a genuine playoff challenge again this year.

Sooner or later, our time—another year of rats—must come again, right?

The Florida Panthers’ season came to an inglorious and screeching halt this weekend. No playoffs this year either – - just another way to die…

The Cats may have salvaged some pride in their two final victories of the season; against Southeastern rivals Atlanta and Washington, but overall, nothing but the playoffs would be good enough this season – and so it was – the effort was inadequate in the end.

As predicted in the previous post it was the day of judgment last Tuesday, when the Panthers travelled to Philadelphia and came home empty-handed. What was worse was that it was the ref who gave away the victory to the Flyers, not the Floridians. It leaves a bittersweet taste in ones mouth when the officials, who it must be said have been very consistent all year in granting the Cats one disfavor after another, end up ruining the burgeoning spring.

Then again, the Florida Panthers gave away their playoff spot on March the 3rd, when all teams around us got stronger, but Florida remained the same. No wonder then that the team started to sputter and falter, immediately thereafter!

Soon afterwards came that disastrous five game home stand from which the Panthers emerged with one mere victory. That was never enough to make a concerted playoff run and the Cats had to rebound quickly against the Sabres, in the very next game. 3-1 up in the third period and then a couple of minutes of madness which saw Buffalo leapfrog their visitors and win the contest, 5-3. That was when the season died.

Winning six of the eight last games was never going to be enough as I prophesized at the time. The Panthers could only afford to lose one game, if even that, to have a chance. But losses to Atlanta and Philadelphia derailed those vague hopes. What made me feel sure the season had effectively ended after the Buffalo game was the inconsistency of the Panthers, as described in a post at the time.

The players showed plenty of resiliency all year, but consistently winning games; that was always much harder. Even when having impressive winning streaks – they always had a slip-up or two along the way – usually against the lower ranked teams; like against Atlanta down the stretch. When you look at it this way, it actually resembles more of a suicide than a death at the hands of excessively powerful playoff-race opponents. The mental scars that have lacerated this franchise, through the many years of mediocrity, run deep indeed.

Nonetheless, this season was a big step forward, compared to previous ones, it must be said. The team has a strong nucleus of players that stick up for each other and have shown increasing pride of wearing the jersey of this club. That is a good sign and a good evaluation of the job that rookie coach Peter DeBoer has done; in this his first year in the NHL.

Respect was his key word DeBoer brought with him when entering the scene this summer. Respect is also the word staring down on the players as they dress for games, and respect he has achieved, both for himself and for the club and its staff. Not bad. Not bad at all!

Whilst being critical about General Manager Jacques Martin and his deadline dealings, or rather; the lack thereof, he too has done a good job for the organization.

His hockey expertise is unquestionable and he has a calmness in his demeanor, which inspires both confidence in his ability and handling of affairs. The Jokinen deal this summer worked a charm – as especially Keith Ballard has the making of a top defender that will thrill the crowds of the Bank Atlantic Center for many years to come with his big hip-checks. Nick Boynton also did a very good job this season, but his verbal head-butting with DeBoer may have cost him a future here in South Florida.

There is also a plentitude of work awaiting Jacques Martin now that the regular season has come to a halt. The team has several UFA’s and RFA’s to either sign to extensions or let leave. The club also needs to address the difficulties of scoring from the forward lines before next season. A top forward is a ‘must have’ – preferably a top centerman to bolster the ranks. It will require a dip in to the free agent market, come July.

Also, Jacques need to think about re-tooling the Rochester Americans in the AHL. Ending dead-last in that league cannot be what the Panthers want for their top-prospects to have to endure. Preferably they should be learning winning-ways and not soaking up a losing-culture. The importance of a good affiliate in the AHL is paramount for future success in the NHL.

Some positives this season has been the emergence of rookie Michael Frolik as a top-prospect in the league. The continued development of David Booth and Stephen Weiss has been steady and the defense unrecognizably excellent – both offensively and defensively. Vokoun and Anderson were equally – perhaps one of the best goalkeeping tandems in the league.

Some negatives include the inconsistency of the team, especially the forward compartment; which has been found lacking zest and punch at times. The Panthers simply didn’t get enough contribution from the forwards to claim a playoff berth. Incidentally, another team that had similar difficulties with scoring was the NY Rangers, difference was that they did something about their ills at the trade deadline, Florida did not.

The powerplay meanwhile was woeful and simply not near good enough for a team fighting in a tight playoff race. The constant passing around of the puck, ad infinitum, rather than daring to shoot – was enough to drive anyone crazy!

It’s still a bit too early to look forward to next season and try to eclipse this one with a post-season crusade. First this one needs to be fully analyzed and then put firmly to rest. But, it will nonetheless be interesting to see what the GM and Head Coach together plan for the next campaign: Who will come, who will go? Will the Panthers finally find a way to succeed – - or just another way – to die?

To be honest I doubted we’d be here – with three games left and having a, not great, but good shot at the playoffs – yet here we are and tonight is one of those nights where things could essentially, although not mathematically, be decided.

Deciding – it would almost certainly be if the Panthers lost and the NY Rangers beat Montreal in the ‘Garden’. However, if we win – we’re still in it. But what a game to win! Away to Philadelphia… One of the toughest, literally, home teams in the league. Yes, we beat them there on March 26th, so its definitely possible, but will lightning really strike twice?

As this the final week began yesterday, some good news came to Florida’s aid as Montreal dropped a 2-1 lead and lost at home to Ottawa 2-3, in no small part thanks to Dany Heatley; who scored twice to turn the game on its head. The Habs looked all but set to claim a playoff berth, but with injuries to key defenders Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider, their powerplay has fallen like a house of cards (having previously scored 50% of the teams goals in its recent resurgence). Considering this, despite having a three point advantage on both Rangers and Panthers, the Canadiens have every right to be worried and looking over their collective shoulders.

Another piece of good Floridian news, was that Buffalo also lost at home. Perhaps more of an expected defeat as they hosted the Detroit Red Wings; who have won 16 out of the last 18 games versus the Sabres. No change to that woeful statistic as the Wings came away with a 4-1 win on the night. Detroit seemed to be in a constant powerplay as they utilized an unusual tactic by placing a player in front of goalie Ryan Miller at all times when attacking – whether 5on5 or on the powerplay. Odd, but effective it seemed as the Sabres scrambled for an answer to the unwanted offensive presence of Detroit’s power-forwards on the edge of the crease.

So, with Buffalo effectively out of the race, it’s now a three horse sprint. Florida competes with the NY Rangers and the limping, yet leading, Montreal Canadiens. It should be a thrilling rush of emotion and hockey desperation down this stretch!

And in the playoff chasing, last week of regular season, possibly no night will be of more importance than tonight.

Montreal travel to New York for a crucial head-to-head battle with the Rangers. Panthers’ fans will be hoping that this contest will finish a two point game and not a three point affair. But, whoever comes out on-top of that fight; Florida still need to take care of their own business – first and foremost. A point will be of absolute necessity, and most likely – unless Rangers lose – nothing but a victory will suffice in such a tight race. Not an easy task, but it should be enough motivation for the Cats to bring their A-game to the rink.

Shame only that the game isn’t aired on local television… but for those that have NHL Center Ice – at least you’ll have an exciting game to look forward to….

Lastly, a little note about the Florida Panthers being in the limelight as of late.

Our plight and search for some post-season action has not gone unnoticed around the hockey world. I’ve seen several articles – ranging from Canada to Sweden – that focus on the Panthers and our hunt for a playoff spot. Most articles focus on our nine years on the outside looking in, the inconsistency of the teams’ play this year and coach DeBoer’s optimistic statements that the club will make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Keith Ballard’s hipmongous-check of Evgeni Malkin is catching headlines and burning up at YouTube (see it below in previous post!)

The Panthers have become a bit of the “forgotten team” outside of South Florida, heck, even in South Florida; and suddenly people are realizing we have a hockey team here – that actually has a chance of achieving something. And more than one eyebrow is being raised, both on this and the opposite side of the North Atlantic, let me tell you!

Nonetheless, the undertone is still a bit condescending and it seems few really believe we have what it takes. With our record, one can’t help but being a bit skeptic too. We the fans, know better than any outsiders ever will, the constant crushed hopes and disillusionment that goes with the package of being a Panthers fan; and probably none is more skeptic of our chances than we, right?

Anyway, at the end of the day, all we can do is hope for a miracle – that somehow we’ll make the post-season. And tonight I’ll be holding my thumbs for a victory in Philly. Oh how sweet that would be….